Mine has split so I need a new one, where on earth can I get one from and are there any better alternatives out there, hoodman for instance do a nice cushioned one for the xl1

Order Sony parts here:

https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-parts.aspx

Enter "hvrz1" in the Model Number field and follow the links until you find what you want. Then be prepared for sticker shock when you see what it will cost ;-)

Here is a link directly but there are 71 pages to sort through.

https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/PartsPLUSSearch.aspx?ArrayVal=6

Unfortunately that doesn't work; you can't link to individual pages on that website, which is why I didn't provide a link above....